By Ken Hansard
Wyatt Shultz of the Parsons Vikings came relatively late to the game of football. Self-described as “small in stature and weight,” Shultz did not start playing football until the seventh grade, and he instantly fell in love with the sport. He humbly notes that starting every varsity game of the season as a junior is possibly his greatest accomplishment in the sport. However, there is much more to this senior wide receiver and defensive back / linebacker than he gives himself credit for.
Shultz has set very modest and attainable goals for his senior football season, “My main goal for this season is to play more with more confidence and to win games – that, and I obviously hope not to get injured.”
His tennis coach is likely praying for the same. While Wyatt is a late comer to football, he has been playing tennis almost since he learned to walk. And he plays it pretty well. In fact, Shultz has been the Class 4A state runner-up in singles in each of his three high school seasons, an accomplishment that is even more remarkable when one notes the depth of talent at the 4A level. Last season, he finished with a record of 29-4. He has helped lead Parsons to a second-place finish at state during his freshman season, a third-place finish during his sophomore year, and a state championship last spring, “I love tennis. My dad got me started, and I’ve played since I was probably four years old. It’s been a part of me for as long as I can remember,”
The drive and dedication that it has taken to propel Shultz to become an elite tennis player is the same drive that he brings to the football field. Because of this, he serves as a prime example for his teammates of how to approach competition. “I see my role as a leader and a model for hard work and consistency. I worked hard in the offseason to become a stronger, faster, and quicker athlete.”
Shultz is a standout student, as well, sporting a 3.7 GPA. After high school, he plans to play tennis at a junior college. He would someday like to assist his father in his family business.
